30 Oct
2011
30 Oct
'11
11:23 p.m.
ARRISat-1 continues to function although the signal from orbit to orbit is quite different. On the previous pass at 2135z 30 Oct, I could barely hear my downlink. I was hearing W8ZCF and he heard at least part of my call. On the next pass at 2309z, the transponder was strong and I was able to hear my downlink until the bird went silent at 2313z just before it eclipsed. A good contact was made with K9OIM. I guess it all depends on the angle with respect to the stubby uhf antenna. ARRISat-1 does go off even when it is in good sunlight. Then when it looks like it is just barely getting enough sun, the bird stays on and the signal is strong. You just never know what it is going to do.
73, John K8YSE